Amherst social worker charged with defrauding insurer

A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Nina Jafari, 62, with the crime. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, said Jafari defrauded BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York by submitting reimbursement claim forms for services that were not rendered. The amount totaled approximately $125,000.

The indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota.